Head Keeper (Aquarist)
What you'll bring to the team:
Head Keeper | SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Are you passionate about marine animals? Would you like to work for a star attraction in Melbourne ensuring that our guests have a magical experience from start to finish? Then we could have the ideal role for you!
About the Role
We have a fantastic opportunity to join our SEA LIFE Melbourne team as a Permanent Head Keeper.
Reporting into the Displays Supervisor, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Displays Supervisor by overseeing the daily operations and development of the displays team.
Further responsibilities include:
- Act as a technical lead in the designated zones, ensuring the highest standards of animal husbandry, display presentation, and safety are maintained.
- Assist the Curatorial Supervisor in monitoring all public display areas to consistently deliver a world class guest experience.
- Lead by example to embed a culture of professionalism and high quality animal care among team members.
- Support the management of animal acquisition, breeding, quarantine, and transport processes to maintain optimal health and compliance with SEA LIFE network requirements.
- Collaborate in the development and implementation of innovative animal husbandry practices and procedures in conjunction with the Displays Curator and Curatorial Supervisor.
- Conduct senior level training for team members, enhancing their skills and ensuring compliance with best practices in animal care.
- Work closely with the Veterinary team to implement and maintain best practices for animal health and well being.
- Maintain meticulous animal management and operational records in compliance with SEA LIFE and Merlin standards, as well as local legislative requirements.
- Enforce strict adherence to health and safety policies to ensure the safety of staff, guests, and animals.
About You
To be successful in this varied role, you will have a passion for the marine environment and public engagement. As the ideal candidate, you will also hold the following essential criterion:
You will
To be successful in this pivotal role, you will have:
- A minimum of 3 years of proven experience in aquatic animal husbandry, with substantial technical expertise.
- Strong leadership skills within an aquatic display setting.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively train and develop staff.
- A proactive approach to problem solving and a strong focus on solutions.
The following qualifications would be an advantage:
- Certified rescue diver or above
- First aid and O2 provision certificate
- The AS2299 commercial dive medical and have the ability to dive regularly
- A Bachelor’s degree in Zoology or Biology or an equivalent Animal Care Diploma
About Us
Merlin Entertainments is the company behind iconic brands like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, and Peppa Pig World of Play. We operate in over 140 attractions across 25 countries, delivering memorable experiences to 54 million+ visitors a year.
We’re the leading operator of visitor attractions in Australia and New Zealand, with 10 attractions, including SEA LIFE, Wild Life, Madame Tussauds, and the Fly Treetop Adventures, amongst others.
Merlin Entertainments is driven by a strong social responsibility with the vision to create a world where the global community respects, conserves, and sustainably manages our precious aquatic habitats, wildlife, and natural resources. We strive to achieve this goal through our 3 charities: Merlins Magic Wand, the SEA LIFE Trust, and the WILD LIFE Conservation Fund.
So, if you are vibrant and passionate about delivering an amazing service within a great company and in a team who loves what we do – then we want to hear from you!
Merlin Entertainments strongly encourages application from all background, including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent.
Benefits- Corporate benefits including free access to all our attractions worldwide
- Domestic and global opportunities to develop and progress your skills and career in tourism and attractions
- Additional Leave (including birthday and wellbeing) and 3 volunteer days to give back to a social cause you care about
- Opportunity to be involved with our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, including our Reconciliation Action Plan
- Being part of a business built on fun
This job ad will close on 4 October 2024.
Pay Range: Competitive